Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis developed by some people who suffer from the skin condition psoriasis. Symptoms of the condition include pain, stiffness and swelling in some or all of the joints. Although a cure for psoriatic arthritis doesn't exist, regular exercise may help alleviate pain and increase range of motion, just as it does for any other type of arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation recommends starting with stretching exercises and then gradually adding low-impact strengthening exercises.
Chest Stretch
This stretch treats arthritic pain in your shoulder joints and upper spine. It targets the muscles that flex the shoulder forward, including the anterior, or front, deltoid and the pectoralis major -- the most prominent chest muscle. Stand upright with your arms at your sides. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and clasp your hands behind your lower back. Move your hands away from your back and upward until you feel a gentle stretch through the front of your shoulders. Hold for five breaths, deepening the stretch slightly with each exhalation. Keep your torso upright throughout the movement; do not lean forward. Perform the exercise several times each day.
Water Exercises
When adding strengthening exercises to your treatment program for psoriatic arthritis, consider starting with water exercises. Water provides 12 times more resistance than air, according to the Arthritis Foundation, but does not stress your joints as much as weight-training exercises. Start by simply walking through shallow water to work your ankles, hips and knees. Walk forward, backward and sideways to target different muscle groups. Progressively walk through deeper water over time. Add arm movements, such as shoulder raises, elbow extension and flexion, and wrist rolls, in shoulder-deep water. If you are able, perform traditional swimming strokes, such as the backstroke, breast stroke, crawl stroke and side stroke, for an effective full-body workout.
Walking Lunges
Once your pain is under control, add weight-training exercises to strengthen the muscles and connective tissues surrounding your joints. Walking lunges target the hip and knee extensors, including the gluteus maximus, hamstrings and quadriceps. Stand with your feet about hip-width apart and toes directed forward. Hold your arms at your sides. Step 2 to 3 feet forward with your left foot, squat down until your right knee nearly touches the floor and then powerfully extend your hips and knees to stand back up. Leaving your left foot in place, step forward with your right foot and repeat the exercise. Continue walking forward for at least six total steps, three with each leg. Keep your back as straight as possible throughout the exercise. Hold a medicine ball in front of your abdomen and twist 90 degrees away from your front leg following each squat to involve the muscles that support your spine and to make the exercise more challenging.
